why did you choose your 2013/14 s4 over an s5?

[Azula]

I am about to trade in my 2012 a4 for one of these vehicles but I am in a bit of a quandary....I don't know which one to choose!! [headbang] I read that the s4 is slightly faster with better handling and a working sunroof and slightly cheaper. On the other hand, the s5 is appealing because it looks a slightly more sleek (being a coupe), imo. The functionality of the backseat is not hugely important to me. I just want advice from people that have had the same decision to make and who have test driven both. Is the handling performance of the s4 that much better than the s5? I have a test drive scheduled tomorrow for the s5 and will definitely post back with my thoughts. Please help me with this decision as this will be my first audi sports car! Either way, I'm super geeked!! Thanks in advance!

[adrianm8]

4 doors was the only reason.

[EasternLI]

4 doors was the only reason.

2nd, had a baby on the way

[westwest888]

It's cheaper and more functional. Go 6MT. No need to pay for a DSG either.

[F40LM]

I still ask myself that question. I love both in their own ways. Both cars look amazing, but the S5 still does look sportier. I like the seating position of the S4 better though and driving it just felt more comfortable/natural to me. The S5 was more money too for a very similar and less practical car.

[BirdmanQ5]

4 doors, seatbelt, almost $10,000 cheaper...

[13S4]

I have two kids under two which made 4 doors a major deciding factor. I love the looks of the 5's, but since the RS5 came out the S5 was completely out of the picture. I was debating between the two for a month or so before placing my order and in the end I convinced myself that 4 doors and a 6MT was absolutely necessary. I really love my S4, but I regret not ordering the RS5. It looks like a borderline supercar with a superior S-tronic transmission to the one in the S lines.

My wife has a SUV as her DD which we take 99% of the time. The car seats fit in my S4, but it’s a pain in the ass switching them back and forth. The car is great, but since we have a bigger SUV for baby/dog duties the S4 is my fun car/DD only. I was happy I saved some coin, but moding Audi’s is crazy expensive especially shipping to Canada. Even with my Mediocre mod list I’ve spent well over $10,000 (Wheels, Tires, Sways, AK, End Links, Shifter, Tint, 3M, Radar, Intake, Lights, IC Protector, Floor Matts, Springs) and I still plan on going Stage 2/Exhaust/ and possibly getting E Codes. All in I’m over the price of an RS with nice wheels [mad]

[sereigle]

4 doors was the only reason.

Yeah, same for me. I barely could convince my wife to let me "have" the S4. I had more of an argument with the 4 doors because I somehow convinced her that it was "safer, 4 doors for the future family, and better gas mileage than my SUV." Needless to say, I don't regret my decision.

[RickFLS4]

There was an S4 on the lot the way I wanted it optioned and it was less costly than a comparable S5. Aside from lower MSRP deals at the time were better on the S4's. Also not crazy about sunroofs that don't slide open but I could have lived with the S5 sunroof. I do like the look of the S5 but have a hard time paying more for one since it is basically the same car in a slightly different package.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[zps123]

haul girls in the back

[AKPS4]

value, plain and simple... what are you really getting in an S5 that and S4 doesnt offer? The S4 really gives you more i think with the 4 doors. And with the cost savings its a no brainer.

S5 is simply a statement vehicle for those who must have a coupe over a 4 door while they dont even realize any other difference

[Daily Driver]

I have two kids under two which made 4 doors a major deciding factor. I love the looks of the 5's, but since the RS5 came out the S5 was completely out of the picture. I was debating between the two for a month or so before placing my order and in the end I convinced myself that 4 doors and a 6MT was absolutely necessary. I really love my S4, but I regret not ordering the RS5. It looks like a borderline supercar with a superior S-tronic transmission to the one in the S lines.

+1, but I don't regret not getting the RS5 because of kids and 6MT.

[drob23]

I frequently ask myself this question...

[Toecutter]

4 doors.

I think the S5 looks better. If I didn't need to haul kids almost daily I'd consider the coupe.

[Dannydyn]

These little liabilities running around my house, also known as kids.... [:/]

[markynels]

There are a lot of aesthetic attributes I dislike about the S5.. I park next to one daily and the more I look at it, the more I notice the following;

- Wheel offset makes the rear arches look empty
- Rear of the car is wider visually, but the exhaust tips are the same diam. as the S4 making them seem much smaller and thus less suitable aesthetically
- The newer headlamp LED strips angle at the top rather than the bottom (S4), making the car appear wider at the top and overall front - this would be ok if the front valence was as wide/blacked out like the RS5
- Overall side profile of the car is curvy, almost woman like and to be honest, i always found the 5's to be more suitable for women? I don't find them to be a particularly masculine 'sports car'.. Think of it, curvy, soft features (compared to its big brother the RS) etc etc.. I'm sure i'm not the only one? Porsches are curvy, but it's their nature to sport soft features..
- Again on the side profile; there is so much room between the door jam and the rear wheel arch that you could have just slapped a door in there and called it a day; it just looks like they excluded it and called it a coupe.

You can always justify 4 door practicality. If you're leasing for 4 years, well, a lot can happen in 4 years! You never know what kind of space you'll need, and something i've always come to realize AFTER purchasing a coupe.

[RReddington]

Because the S4 is, not even considering its luxury and looks, still one of the best performing 4 door cars for its price.

The S5, as nasty as it looks, pales in comparison when compared to 2 doors at its price.

[chet]

4 doors, and making S5 owners question their choice ;)

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[chrisbryan89]

Price difference for me. Couldn't justify the extra cost for such a similar car... Oh and the S5's at the time had the V8 which I didn't want

[Xtabi]

I'm still trying to decide too!

The only difference with me is I'm waiting for the B9s before making the final call.

[b8audis4]

There are more S5's around than S4's. Didn't fit into the S5.

[afig367]

A lot of us prefer the S4's sleeper status. Also, it has much more of a storied history. The S5 is just..........eh.

[moose_head]

Doors too hard to open in tight spaces but really... the S5 feels like more of intermediate model, a compromise, since the RS5 is here. S4 is top of it's segment within the Audi lineup. (I can ignore the Euro avant RS4 since it's different and not available in NA.) Note: I realize this is not completely logical.

[Black_V!per]

Mathematics duh. 4>2 when more is better and 55k>65k when more is worse.

Convenience over style with a common denominator of function over speed all divided by cost.

[afdent11]

I'm still trying to decide too!

The only difference with me is I'm waiting for the B9s before making the final call.

Aren't we still a full year or two out from the B9?


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[raudiace4]

If I didn't need 4 doors I would be in a S5 right now, no question.

They are so much sexier.

[dzasta]

If I didn't need 4 doors I would be in a S5 right now, no question.

They are so much sexier.

+1 (have two kids that i pick up from school everyday)

right now its btw 2010-11 S4 or 2013+ S4 for me.

[Nasdaq]

I bought a Camaro ZL1 along with this S4. 1 coupe 1 sedan to hall the kids if need be. Made perfect sense to me.

[mact3333]

I have two kids under two which made 4 doors a major deciding factor. I love the looks of the 5's, but since the RS5 came out the S5 was completely out of the picture. I was debating between the two for a month or so before placing my order and in the end I convinced myself that 4 doors and a 6MT was absolutely necessary. I really love my S4, but I regret not ordering the RS5. It looks like a borderline supercar with a superior S-tronic transmission to the one in the S lines.

My wife has a SUV as her DD which we take 99% of the time. The car seats fit in my S4, but it’s a pain in the ass switching them back and forth. The car is great, but since we have a bigger SUV for baby/dog duties the S4 is my fun car/DD only. I was happy I saved some coin, but moding Audi’s is crazy expensive especially shipping to Canada. Even with my Mediocre mod list I’ve spent well over $10,000 (Wheels, Tires, Sways, AK, End Links, Shifter, Tint, 3M, Radar, Intake, Lights, IC Protector, Floor Matts, Springs) and I still plan on going Stage 2/Exhaust/ and possibly getting E Codes. All in I’m over the price of an RS with nice wheels [mad]


but but you have more torque than the RS5...[:D]

[HKsupastar]

S4 = Family Man. S5 = Single, ready to mingle. You get more thumbs up and looks from girls when you are in the S5. But if you are a practical man, the choice is simple. S4.

[F40LM]

S4 = Family Man. S5 = Single, ready to mingle. You get more thumbs up and looks from girls when you are in the S5. But if you are a practical man, the choice is simple. S4.

The S4 works just fine for singles too, but I'm sure the S5 works better haha. The S5 will be my next car. I like the pre-facelift S5 front end/LED's better though. I still think they are supercars every time they are driving up from a distance. The B8.5 one looks great as well, but it just doesn't create the same effect for me as the B8.

[dangerous_dave7]

I never even considered the S5, to be honest. I always want the S4, and as someone else mentioned, I would have a harder time going for the S5 when the RS5 is also out there. Granted I know it's more expensive but still...

[david55838]

Real sunroof, framed windows and longer wheelbase = slightly better ride. All this made the S4 the better choice for me.

[Pho99]

4 doors and 10k cheaper. I have 3 kids so the S5 would not work for me.

[raudiace4]

+1 (have two kids that i pick up from school everyday)

right now its btw 2010-11 S4 or 2013+ S4 for me.

No kids here, but I really need the 4 doors. Clients/friends/family members really hate getting in the back of a coupe.

[afdent11]

4 doors and 10k cheaper. I have 3 kids so the S5 would not work for me.

When I built a similarly equipped S5 online, it was only $3,000 more than the S4. Were you just shopping against a more fully loaded S5?

[beckmaster]

S5 looks better to me. weighs a little less :)
But still looks better

[GT3_BBK]

I prefer the understated sleeper look of the S4. Also the S4 is more practical in every way. Have fun crawling to get into the back of the S5...

[adamkb26]

I wanted an S5 for the looks but needed the 4 doors. It can be used in more situations. Lower price didn't hurt either.

[Xtabi]

Aren't we still a full year or two out from the B9?


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My guess is that after the A3/S3 hit the showrooms this summer we will start seeing the B9 details start trickling out two or so months later. My bet is 1 to 1.5 years regardless of what all of the magazines are reporting.

[wwhan]

My guess is that after the A3/S3 hit the showrooms this summer we will start seeing the B9 details start trickling out two or so months later. My bet is 1 to 1.5 years regardless of what all of the magazines are reporting.

There are currently 63 of the 2015 A3 models in stock at Audi San Jose; http://www.sanjoseaudi.com/new-inventory/index.htm?year=2015&&&&

The 2015 S3 is expected in August.

P.S. I like 4 doors, more practical.

[30piece]

Price difference for me. Couldn't justify the extra cost for such a similar car... Oh and the S5's at the time had the V8 which I didn't want

+1

[bkkchris]

Coming from a B6, B7, B8 and B8.5 S4 I clearly love the S4. I always liked the sleeper status and after my B8 I was hooked on the v6 so the v8 S5 never really was in the running. But I have never needed the back seats so when the opportunity came to trade the B8.5 S4 in for a S5 it was time to try something different. Performance is the same, I think anyone would be very hard pressed to notice much difference. Certainly gets more looks than any of my S4's did, if that matters to you, it is a bit less sleeper for sure. Cant go wrong either way, but the S5 is pretty damn sexy! (sorry, any chance to picwhore the car [up] )

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/13618208234_e83068f9f5_b.jpg

[dbX79]

If money is not a object for you get the S5. When I saw the price it was $10K that's a tad steep for the same engine. I went with the S4 for that reason and the interior is pretty much the same besides the badging and the sunroof that doesn't open all the way, I love my S4!

[MVR 155]

To echo many of the others..... I needed a sedan, love the look of the S5 but not practical for my use. I have my Z06 for my 3 pedal, 2 door, loud, abnoxious exhaust, tire frying, sub par GM interior fix!!!

[Azula]

Coming from a B6, B7, B8 and B8.5 S4 I clearly love the S4. I always liked the sleeper status and after my B8 I was hooked on the v6 so the v8 S5 never really was in the running. But I have never needed the back seats so when the opportunity came to trade the B8.5 S4 in for a S5 it was time to try something different. Performance is the same, I think anyone would be very hard pressed to notice much difference. Certainly gets more looks than any of my S4's did, if that matters to you, it is a bit less sleeper for sure. Cant go wrong either way, but the S5 is pretty damn sexy! (sorry, any chance to picwhore the car [up] )

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/13618208234_e83068f9f5_b.jpg

beautiful car!! may I ask is it a 6MT or Auto? Seems like the popular choice is manual but they are hard to find!

[Jones2012s4]

They did not have the engine/trans I wanted when purchasing. Only had V8.

I have debated going to an S5 but all the love and work I have put into my S4, I couldn't justify buying a "newer" slower, essentially mechanically same car.

[SForePlayin']

I never considered the S5. I have two children and wanted the practicality of a 4 door sedan.

[The Darkside]

I'm in the same boat..I'm looking at 2013-2014 S4/5. I test drove back to back, and I was shocked at how much different the S5 felt over the S4. I'm not talking performance. Just the seating position, felt wider but more snug. It's hard to describe in words. S4 felt narrower. I was never a huge fan of the S5, then I drove one and walked around and kind of fell in love. Basically I was surprised. So even tho it's more expensive I'm searching for one of those. If I find a great deal on a S4 I might consider one of those instead, but right now my heart is on a S5.

Also I have one child about to turn 3, I don't need a back seat. I can count on one hand how many times she's been in the back of my current car. I actually got the go ahead from the wife to get a 2 seater if I wanted. (I originally was looking at 370z's for the price/performance but a couple things kept me from pulling the trigger).

My 2cents!
Anyways,

[F40LM]

Can someone just please jump in and say because I already have a 458 italia for my two door? Then post many, many pics.

[RudyH]

I had a coupe, and found it so unpractical even though being single and no kids.
It was mostly when I got a motorbike. Wanted a winter beater, and people hauler, something comfy to cruise the highway and city in...and of course a blast to drive.

If it wasn't for the motorbike I would likely have gotten a S5 as its more comfy then my old coupe.

[raudiace4]

If only they would give us the A5 sportback. Take away the A7 nobody cares.

[RudyH]

If only they would give us the A5 sportback. Take away the A7 nobody cares.

+1
This wouldn't be a hard sell for me, possibly for B9!

[emnahum]

+1
This wouldn't be a hard sell for me, possibly for B9!
+2. Beautiful car.

[milk242]

Single and young (29) but the s4 was something I always wanted. Yea the s5 looks good and you can run wider tires, but something about the s4 just looks so good. The side profile of the s4 looks beautiful.

[F40LM]

Single and young (29) but the s4 was something I always wanted. Yea the s5 looks good and you can run wider tires, but something about the s4 just looks so good. The side profile of the s4 looks beautiful.

Agreed. I can't help but look 3-5x walking in the office at the side profile every morning.

[bkkchris]

beautiful car!! may I ask is it a 6MT or Auto? Seems like the popular choice is manual but they are hard to find!

DSG and love it.

[Dominick's S4]

1. S4 door Sedan is more functional
2. S4 looks better
3. S4 drives better
4. S4 is faster
5. I have kids
6. Better 2 door sport car options out there for the price of the S5

[salyaqout]

4 Door, drop the back seat and more trunk space.

[2871rgti]

It's all about the doors. I've got an s5 nd it's an absolutely stunning looking car . I would def recommend, unless of course you absolutely need the 2 extra doors

[Azula]

I'm in the same boat..I'm looking at 2013-2014 S4/5. I test drove back to back, and I was shocked at how much different the S5 felt over the S4. I'm not talking performance. Just the seating position, felt wider but more snug. It's hard to describe in words. S4 felt narrower. I was never a huge fan of the S5, then I drove one and walked around and kind of fell in love. Basically I was surprised. So even tho it's more expensive I'm searching for one of those. If I find a great deal on a S4 I might consider one of those instead, but right now my heart is on a S5.

Also I have one child about to turn 3, I don't need a back seat. I can count on one hand how many times she's been in the back of my current car. I actually got the go ahead from the wife to get a 2 seater if I wanted. (I originally was looking at 370z's for the price/performance but a couple things kept me from pulling the trigger).

My 2cents!
Anyways,


cool! my appointment is at 2pm today to test out the s5, hopefully there is a s4 on the lot so I can check them out back to back. Could you offer any personal insight on your views of performance/handling between the two? Was it negligible or noticeable in either direction?

[rick b]

don't need the extra doors but the S5 in 2010 had the gas guzzler V8 which i did not want

rick b.

[F40LM]

cool! my appointment is at 2pm today to test out the s5, hopefully there is a s4 on the lot so I can check them out back to back. Could you offer any personal insight on your views of performance/handling between the two? Was it negligible or noticeable in either direction?

I actually didn't like driving the S5 as much, but it was still a fun car. Something about hard cornering in it didn't feel as aggressive as in the S4. NOTE: Could have been total irrational justification in my mind to go with the cheaper alternative haha.

[Pworld]

As much as i always wanted a S5 and was thinking of stepping up, or should i say "over" to one for 2015. I really am starting to appreciate the S4 more when its set up the way i like. Aggressive stance, and lowered. The car has more presence to me. Stock? Nope. But on 20s the longer body swallows up the wheels and it just looks really aggressive. FOR ME. Im single, and i mostly roll solo. Rear seats do not get used. Just folded down to carry my snowboard sometimes.

Now the Rs5? different story. Thats the coupe i would go for.

[meth0d68]

Just started my family and 4 doors=sexy!

[plev72]

4 doors, black, says boring just another sedan to folks who don't know what it is, blends. I'd have to think about it for a while, but I don't think I'd get an S5 even if I were looking for a coupe... if I'm going to be impractical I'd probably get a Mustang.

[Jones2012s4]

S5 looks better to me. weighs a little less :)
But still looks better

S5 weighs more.

[boss2k]

simple because its the same car and S4 has 4 doors , S5 does not have any rear seat space its very cramped and 4 adults cannot travel in that car plus moonroof does not open which is a showstopper for me

[jfabes]

I don't get the S5 obcession. I think it's "okay". Too many other two doors out there much better. I'd buy a used GTR or Pcar before a new S5 if I wanted a coupe.

S4 hands down, no comparison, ton of car for the money and stg2 puts it in a speed league with far more expensive sedans.

[MarcWinkman]

Mainly because it has 4 doors which makes it easy when I have to shuttle stuff back and forth from my office to the courthouse...and it's easier to drunk bus my friends around in the S4 than the S5.

[Zaxon55]

Needed the backseat for the kiddo. Love the S5, but had a 2 door that I replaced and really needed a 4 door "family" car.

[b6onboost]

You buy an S4 based on logic and an S5 based on emotion.

[F40LM]

You buy an S4 based on logic and an S5 based on emotion.

best description I've seen haahaha

[Gotchaa]

I took the extra 10k the S5 would have cost and put it into options and aftermarket parts and tuning, now the car handles like no other, shifts like on adrenaline, accelerates like the Tasmanian Devil, and roars like a Indy race car. Complements of AWE, Eurocode, GIAC, and HR Sports......oh and also what everyone else said baby + wife factor.

[drob23]

I took the extra 10k the S5 would have cost and put it into options and aftermarket parts and tuning, now the car handles like no other, shifts like on adrenaline, accelerates like the Tasmanian Devil, and roars like a Indy race car. Complements of AWE, Eurocode, GIAC, and HR Sports......oh and also what everyone else said baby + wife factor.

Why do you say the S5 costs 10k more? Isn't it a 4k increase [confused]

[sacandagaD]

Two reasons, one, I came out of a 335i to an A5 and after a year, wanted that old "grunt" back and two: mine was a fully loaded S-Line in Brilliant Red, and as a small business owner, I could not park it in my lot without customers thinking I was making a million dollars and charging them too much.

I think the coupe is one of the top 10 best looking cars on the road today, and mine absolutely turned heads everywhere I went. Would have loved a S5 as a DD, but the S4 is so much more of a practical sleeper that no one has commented on it for the past 6 months I've had it.

[squashman]

Aesthetically, I've never loved the S5. Dead on front and back, it looks amazing. Straight profile or 3/4 view, the proportions seem off to me from the doors back. It's just too long and... big. I felt the same way about the E92 - the magic was lost from the doors back.

[Dr GP]

To me, the S4 and S5 are basically the same car. I do not feel the extra money for the S5 is worth it. But for me, the real deal breaker is the sunroof does not fully open on the s5 . It only tilts . Others will not care, but I do.

[F40LM]

Why do you say the S5 costs 10k more? Isn't it a 4k increase [confused]

I've seen a 2014 premium plus S5 for 52k with like 1 option on the dealer website by my work. Definitely not 10k more.

[moose_head]

Why do you say the S5 costs 10k more? Isn't it a 4k increase [confused]

S5 Cab would make sense but otherwise, ya

[ensorgumbs]

I broke my phone case climbing in the back if the S5.......nuff said

[LakeShow]

It looks better, more practical, and it's faster. Plain and simple.

[raudiace4]

It looks better, more practical, and it's faster. Plain and simple.

Well 2/3 ain't bad. [cool]

[caphie]

All logic points to the S4. The S5 may look a bit more sporting since it is a coupe, but the way I look at it, anyone who knows cars will respect either, equally. People who don't know cars will still view them equally, but just not be as impressed. As someone who has owned a number of 2-door coupes, I can't tell you how much I love the move to the S4. I get lots of "whoa, nice car!" comments on the S4. I really believe the S5 would create no more stir among its onlookers.

Clearly, its your choice, but for me I would not go to the S5 even if I were single and childless again. The S4 just offers the whole package without compromise.

[Jango3434]

The coupe choice I would have gone with is the RS5. The S5s cost doesn't justify the choice over the S4

[The.Wizard]

I like the sleeper styling of the S4 and it's also better value. Negotiated a 13% discount on my purchase which was still cheaper than an approved used at up to 12 months old....if I could find one I liked. Not that many approved used in the UK spec'd with the sports diff either.

[hayasa]

I have an older S4, but looking to jump into a new S4 or maybe S6. I briefly toyed with the idea of an RS5, but the pain in the butt rear seat was a turn off. (I throw stuff on the back seat all the time - gym bag, dry-cleaning, etc. - and having to move the seat and reach back there is a nightmare.) Also didn't like the giant doors swinging in small parking spaces (everywhere in LA). And one of the biggest reasons - I love to drive with all the windows down, EXCEPT the driver-side as I don't want my hair blowing everywhere. With the S5, if you only lower the passenger side window, you get this weird reverberation effect. Crack the back windows (in the S4) and it goes away instantly.

[csullivan]

Got little kids. Had to have the 4 door.

[In2Bate]

I could reiterate much of what has been said already. What I'll add is purely anecdotal. When I was debating 4 v. 5, I realized that I knew of three local female drivers of 5's and no men. That played with my psyche...it just did. I love my 4 and the rear doors come in real handy on a monthly basis despite no children, that I know of.

[Azula]

I could reiterate much of what has been said already. What I'll add is purely anecdotal. When I was debating 4 v. 5, I realized that I knew of three local female drivers of 5's and no men. That played with my psyche...it just did. I love my 4 and the rear doors come in real handy on a monthly basis despite no children, that I know of.

LOL! since my test drive (which I'll talk about in a second), I too have seen all females driving the S5 (2 in two days) so I know how you feel. Anyways...

My test drive was a bit of a let down but not because of the vehicles.... The damn route I was told to drive was too damn short! Nevertheless, I did feel that the S4 was slightly more nimble than the S5. Acceleration was limited but I didn't feel a major difference between the two. Both cars are drop dead gorgeous to me but I do find myself gravitating towards the S5 a bit more. As others have said, the cost coupled with slightly better performance/handling and practicality has me leaning towards the S4.....decisions, decisions!!